BPI Introduces New Renewal Policy for Certified Home Performance Professionals - Home Energy Pros2015-03-03T23:02:11Zhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/forum/topics/bpi-introduces-new-renewal-policy-for-certified-home-performance?commentId=6069565%3AComment%3A107348&xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI am of two minds on this. Fi…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-07:6069565:Comment:1079052013-03-07T23:33:55.650ZRobert vanCreveldhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/RobertvanCreveld
<p>I am of two minds on this. First, I just went to a great deal of effort to create a BPI test center to capture a piece of the coming wave of recertifications. So I am disappointed to learn that the wave went away.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I am a certified professional in several fields that are all highly technical skills that affect individual and public health and safety. Each certification required grueling study and testing to qualify. None requires repeated recertification unless the…</p>
<p>I am of two minds on this. First, I just went to a great deal of effort to create a BPI test center to capture a piece of the coming wave of recertifications. So I am disappointed to learn that the wave went away.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I am a certified professional in several fields that are all highly technical skills that affect individual and public health and safety. Each certification required grueling study and testing to qualify. None requires repeated recertification unless the cert is allowed to lapse. They all require continuing education reports and fees for renewal.</p>
<p>BPI is right to eliminate the recert field test every 3 years. It just stings that this was just handed down without any warning/ input from the test centers.</p> Mike,
You and Delores are re…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-07:6069565:Comment:1076582013-03-07T19:30:15.117ZMike Brownhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MikeBrown
<p>Mike,</p>
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<p>You and Delores are real training pros that we at BrightHome have become dependent upon for our own business success. You will win in the marketplace not because of rules from BPI but your added value to businesses like ours. </p>
<p>We will continue to use Green Jobs Training Center. </p>
<p>Mike,</p>
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<p>You and Delores are real training pros that we at BrightHome have become dependent upon for our own business success. You will win in the marketplace not because of rules from BPI but your added value to businesses like ours. </p>
<p>We will continue to use Green Jobs Training Center. </p> IMHO, playing the others don'…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-06:6069565:Comment:1076202013-03-06T18:07:56.420ZSean Lintow Srhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/sls
<p>IMHO, playing the others don't do X is not a valid argument. While I do not know about NATE or NABCEP, I do know RESNET does require certain steps be completed each year to retain certification which either includes the QA provider verifying so much work is reviewed or for those that might not have any units to review, they still have to show proficiency.</p>
<p>For our HVAC friends, most of them are required to pull permits &amp; have their work inspected. Unfortunately for most in the…</p>
<p>IMHO, playing the others don't do X is not a valid argument. While I do not know about NATE or NABCEP, I do know RESNET does require certain steps be completed each year to retain certification which either includes the QA provider verifying so much work is reviewed or for those that might not have any units to review, they still have to show proficiency.</p>
<p>For our HVAC friends, most of them are required to pull permits &amp; have their work inspected. Unfortunately for most in the WX/HP fields etc... they either choose to ignore or have no clue when permits should be pulled much less inspected.</p> On behalf of BPI, we realize…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-06:6069565:Comment:1074452013-03-06T17:40:49.077ZLeslie McDowell, BPIhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/LeslieMcDowell
<p>On behalf of BPI, we realize our new recertification policy will be an adjustment for the industry, and especially for BPI Test Centers. In making this change, BPI’s top priority was to keep the standards for work performed high, while also ensuring that the recertification process is accessible and not overly onerous for experienced home performance professionals.</p>
<p>BPI’s Certification Management Board (CMB) made this policy change in response to overwhelming calls from the industry…</p>
<p>On behalf of BPI, we realize our new recertification policy will be an adjustment for the industry, and especially for BPI Test Centers. In making this change, BPI’s top priority was to keep the standards for work performed high, while also ensuring that the recertification process is accessible and not overly onerous for experienced home performance professionals.</p>
<p>BPI’s Certification Management Board (CMB) made this policy change in response to overwhelming calls from the industry for BPI to recognize work experience, and bring our recertification policy in line with building industry norms. The CMB is made up of volunteers representing industry contractors, program managers and manufacturers.</p>
<p>Accepting continuing education in lieu of re-testing is a common method of verifying competency by certifying bodies throughout the technical trades. For example, RESNET, NATE and NABCEP accept continuing education in lieu of re-testing. None of these organizations require field exams to recertify. Indeed, BPI is one of the only certifying bodies in the building trades to require a field exam for a candidate’s initial certification. We will keep this bar high by continuing to require field exams for initial certification and for recertification if work experience cannot be verified.</p>
<p>In addition, BPI recently completed a survey of BPI certified professionals who choose not to renew their certifications. Sixty percent of those surveyed gave the cost and time involved with field testing as their reason not to recertify.</p>
<p>To all of our proctors and test centers:</p>
<p>We owe you an apology for our poor communications. We should have provided you with more details about BPI’s new recertification policy prior to Monday’s announcement. While we discussed the policy on our monthly webinar calls with test centers in January and February, we recognize that this may not be enough information for you to adequately plan for the transition.</p>
<p>We realize this policy may decrease revenue from BPI exams in the short term. However, we expect our new policy to increase demand for BPI CEUs in local markets, and we encourage all test centers to take advantage of this by developing training and curricula that qualify for BPI CEUs. BPI Test Centers do not pay application fees for BPI approval of CEU qualified training.</p>
<p>In addition, there is potential to attract new students to your training centers by providing entry level training to prepare candidates for BPI’s new Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate of Knowledge exam. BPI has received strong interest in the BSP certification from many parties: manufacturers on behalf of their dealers and distributors, from home inspectors, realtors, appraisers, program administrators and from students interested in green buildings. For more information go to <a href="http://www.bpi.org/certificate">www.bpi.org/certificate</a>.</p>
<p>BPI recognizes the vital role proctors and test centers play in keeping the bar high. We regret the confusion this has caused, and we are committed to working with you to increase training and exam opportunities for BPI Test Centers.</p> Ted the one thing missing fro…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-06:6069565:Comment:1073482013-03-06T01:43:33.625ZMichael Dunseithhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MichaelDunseith
<p>Ted the one thing missing from this graph is the cost associated with theses numbers, but it is a start.</p>
<p>Ted the one thing missing from this graph is the cost associated with theses numbers, but it is a start.</p> I think the only hope is to t…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-06:6069565:Comment:1072952013-03-06T00:27:10.918Ztedkiddhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/tedkidd
<p>I think the only hope is to turn the esoteric promise of QUALITY into a measurable, prove-able, metric. We need to create INCENTIVE for training and excellence. </p>
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<p>Let's face it, when you attempt to REGULATE quality it becomes a race to the bottom. Every possible corner that can be cut will be cut. That's the competitive structure of such systems. Lowest Cost rather than Best Result. </p>
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<p>If we create COMPETITION for quality it continually RAISES the bar.…</p>
<p>I think the only hope is to turn the esoteric promise of QUALITY into a measurable, prove-able, metric. We need to create INCENTIVE for training and excellence. </p>
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<p>Let's face it, when you attempt to REGULATE quality it becomes a race to the bottom. Every possible corner that can be cut will be cut. That's the competitive structure of such systems. Lowest Cost rather than Best Result. </p>
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<p>If we create COMPETITION for quality it continually RAISES the bar. People who's work is measured and compared have a strong drive to do their best. They don't like being publicly beaten by their competitors. (If Hal Smith's air sealing numbers weren't better than Ray Isaac's he'd move heaven and earth to fix that...)</p>
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<p>Transparency is the only thing standing in the way of NOT NEEDING these damn programs. We need JD Powers for Home Performance. Angies list with RESULTS as well as Customer SAT scores. </p>
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<p>Could ranking contractors based upon ability to deliver on promises be a good place to start? </p>
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<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/bdvariancepercent" target="_blank"><img src="http://bit.ly/bdvariancepercent" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>How about ability to build accurate energy models? Could that be another? </p>
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<p>The only way to get to the top of this QUALITY list is through training. Create a competition for quality and you drive demand for training in a way you NEVER could through regulation. </p>
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<p>Oh, and BTW, think maybe sales and marketing get a WHOLE lot easier when you can show verified evidence of your ability to deliver on promise? Think jobs get a WHOLE lot bigger? Youbetcha. </p>
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<p>READ MORE ABOUT THIS HERE: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/febcontractorupdate" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/febcontractorupdate</a></p> LOL. Actually the name came…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-06:6069565:Comment:1072882013-03-06T00:17:22.020Ztedkiddhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/tedkidd
<p>LOL. Actually the name came from PJ. </p>
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<p>Unfortunately BPI didn't recognize they needed to create a value add reason for people to stay. We didn't renew our Accreditation, and Certifications will likely not get renewed either, 3000 hour freebee or no. It's the administrative weight they add. Cost without benefit. </p>
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<p>I advocated they partner with Saleforce or some ERP and provide data and project management services. Really help businesses shifting from product…</p>
<p>LOL. Actually the name came from PJ. </p>
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<p>Unfortunately BPI didn't recognize they needed to create a value add reason for people to stay. We didn't renew our Accreditation, and Certifications will likely not get renewed either, 3000 hour freebee or no. It's the administrative weight they add. Cost without benefit. </p>
<p></p>
<p>I advocated they partner with Saleforce or some ERP and provide data and project management services. Really help businesses shifting from product sales to fat pipeline consultative make the leap. Then the data they want would be at their fingertips AND they could assist with best practices instead of creating headaches for everyone. Instead they add requirements that you log into some useless "CRM" and log jobs at THEIR convenience. </p>
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<p>Who is the CUSTOMER in their view of CRM? I feel bad for the founders, watching the blood sweat and tears get flushed...</p>
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<p>Still, they converted me - I'm a card carrying member of The Cult of the Blower Door! You guys are too, like it or not.</p>
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<p>:-)</p>
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<p></p> Thanks Matt,
Have to move on…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-05:6069565:Comment:1072872013-03-05T23:49:32.248ZMichael Dunseithhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MichaelDunseith
<p>Thanks Matt,</p>
<p>Have to move on to new opportunities, I spent many years believing in providing good training to a caring professional contractor network for NYS. The lowering of the bar and lack of third party verification of skills and knowledge of industry professionals has soured our beliefs in the industries first priority - health and safety. As a trainer and super proctor for many years I was required to be tested and pay an additional fee for a video review for 100% of my re-…</p>
<p>Thanks Matt,</p>
<p>Have to move on to new opportunities, I spent many years believing in providing good training to a caring professional contractor network for NYS. The lowering of the bar and lack of third party verification of skills and knowledge of industry professionals has soured our beliefs in the industries first priority - health and safety. As a trainer and super proctor for many years I was required to be tested and pay an additional fee for a video review for 100% of my re- certifications. During the last 4 months I have been re tested for BA. Envelope, Heating, AC heat pump and RBEWH-ALCI field exams. A major investment to maintain my required credentials. In fact, 4 of the 5 have not even expired yet. On top of the BPI re-certs I participated in all four DOE/NREL written and field exams.</p>
<p>As a person on the front lines on the Home Performance and Weatherization industry, I have seen more then I would like to admit of certified persons not qualified to continue to hold any certification without additional trainings before being sent out into a persons home. The new policy of a note and a check rubs me so wrong that I'm sick over the future of the industry. The pride and value I once held as a BPI certified professional has been undoubtedly tarnished forever.</p> A balanced and reasonable str…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-05:6069565:Comment:1074082013-03-05T19:10:21.354ZDale Shermanhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/DaleSherman
<p>A balanced and reasonable strategy from BPI would be to require a <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">triennial</span></strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>review</strong></span> along with CEUs and some form of proof of continued active engagement (work) in the field. A triennial review by an accredited BPI testing center would be less formal than a field test, but more credible than a letter and a check.</p>
<p>Under the new policy, a BPI-certified…</p>
<p>A balanced and reasonable strategy from BPI would be to require a <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">triennial</span></strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>review</strong></span> along with CEUs and some form of proof of continued active engagement (work) in the field. A triennial review by an accredited BPI testing center would be less formal than a field test, but more credible than a letter and a check.</p>
<p>Under the new policy, a BPI-certified contractor that came through the now-shunned certification mills could send in a check and a letter without ever having passed a credible field test, review, or evaluation. Just as the FAA requires me to have a biennial review to keep my lifetime pilot's license current, requiring a triennial review would help all recert candidates to regularly improve their skills and verify their knowledge. </p>
<p>A triennial review would help the contractor raise their game, ensure they are up-to-date on the latest building science and codes, while avoiding the onerous field test. This approach strikes a balance between ensuring a quality workforce and a reasonable certifying process.</p>
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<p></p> Mike, Sorry to read this. NYC…tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-05:6069565:Comment:1070832013-03-05T16:22:35.196ZMatthew Redmondhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MatthewRedmond
<p>Mike, Sorry to read this. NYC will be worse off with you leaving...good luck in your future</p>
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<p>Mike, Sorry to read this. NYC will be worse off with you leaving...good luck in your future</p>
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